Arlene Barilla

Arlene Seprish Barilla, age 92, passed away on April 22, 2026. Arlene was a beloved and cherished presence in the lives of those who knew her, remembered for a faithful spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and a generous way of moving through the world. She enjoyed being with family and friends and her home was the place to go for holiday and family celebrations.

Arlene was born in Snow Shoe, PA, on February 12, 1934, to the late James and Anna (Truchly) Seprish, and was raised in a small, coal-mining town outside Wilkes-Barre, with her five siblings. Arlene was married to the love of her life, Joseph, “Joe”, in February 1955, and they were blessed with over 50 years of marriage until his passing in 2007. Together they raised four beautiful children.

Arlene graduated from Nesbitt Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Jenkins, PA, in 1955. She devoted her working life to the care and dignity of others. Arlene worked tirelessly as a nurse for 40 years, working nights at the Jersey City Medical Center, the Veterans Administration Hospital, the Irvington Nursing Home, the Ward Homestead, Maplewood, NJ, and as private duty nurse, to help support her family. She retired from The Baptist Home of the Aged in Newark, NJ, concluding a career marked by steady compassion, quiet strength, and the faithful service that defined her life.

Arlene’s passions were God, her family, travel, music, and animals - especially birds, cats, dogs, and fish. She was very faith-filled and spent most of her time actively seeking God. She helped coordinate numerous bus tours, visiting many churches throughout the United States. In her younger days, she was an active member of the Christ the King Church Rosary Society, Hillside, NJ, and also an active member and supporter of The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Graymoor Friars, Garrison, NY.

Next to her love for God, Arlene’s children and family were most important to her. She absolutely loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, at a minimum celebrating the holidays and birthdays. Arlene made sure there was plenty of food so that everyone could take a “goody” bag home. Arlene also cherished the private, one-on-one visits with her children or grandchildren. That’s when she could truly focus on their lives and the gifts they brought to this world. No matter what, she always stressed the importance of prayer, loving God, and “sticking” together to support each other not only in the good times, but also through the trials and tribulations of life.

Arlene loved to travel on religious pilgrimages to places including Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Bosnia, Israel, and Jordan, with her husband and sisters. She read the Bible and prayed the rosary daily, and watched religious shows on TV. She especially loved EWTN. Up until her last waking days, Arlene would pray for anyone in need. She walked with God.

Music was an important part of Arlene’s life. She was often found listening to religious CD’s and music on the radio, playing songs on the piano, and singing and dancing to Polka music, along with her talented family members who played the accordion, banjo, harmonica, and guitar. She was a self-taught piano musician. Any time you visited Arlene, she would make sure you fed the birds and cleaned the bird bath. Even the kitchen clock chimed hourly with bird calls.

She was a beloved mother to Eileen (George) MacDonald, Joseph (Maria) Barilla, Kathy (Kevin) Francis, and James Barilla, grandmother to her 11 grandchildren: Kelly MacDonald, Alicia (Brennan) Six, Chris (Peter) Ravnholt, Joseph Barilla, Brittany Barilla, Courtney (Dan Gallagher) Francis, Kaitlynn Barilla, Michael (Katie) Barilla, Nicholas (Anna Novikova) Francis, Isabella Barilla, Sophia Barilla, and great-grandmother to her 6 great-grandchildren: Freya, Freddie, Aaron James, Jimmy, Joey, and Beau. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph J. Barilla, son James J. Barilla, her sister Madeline Worlinsky, and brothers David, George, and James. She is survived by her sister, Helen Bellaus, and sister-in-law, Joyce Chang Seprish.

Arlene was greatly loved. Her passing leaves a great void in our hearts and in our lives. She will be missed.